CINCINNATI— The Bengals have a 17-10 lead over the Raiders at the half. They hope to improve to 4-5 this season.

Here are our observations during halftime:

Joey Franchise

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was in the zone in the first half and completed his first 15 pass attempts. He went 15-for-18 for 104 yards and one touchdown on the Bengals’ first two possessions, leading Cincinnati on long scoring drives.

Burrow finished 18 of 21 for 149 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. The Bengals scored on all three of their possessions in the first half.

The Raiders scored on their opening drive. Burrow led the Bengals on a 13-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a one-yard touchdown to Chase Brown.

That was a busy drive and Burrow answered the bell with the team trailing 7-0. He made multiple throws under pressure, including an 11-yard pass to Tanner Hudson on 4th-and-3 from the Raiders’ 20-yard line.

Burrow also made a great throw to Brown on 2nd and 1 with Maxx Crosby in his face. Crosby beat Amarius Mims for what should have been a sack, but Burrow made a big play and turned it into a first down.

Great game through struggle

The Bengals defense gave up a touchdown on the opening possession of the game. The Raiders were driving on their second possession and appeared to convert a 3rd and 4 when Gardner Minshew found rookie tight end Brock Bowers for a long gain down the field.

Rookie safety Jordan Battle ripped the ball out of Bowers’ hands at the last second to force the Raiders to punt. It was a huge play and a big moment for the defense.

Chase Brown Show

Brown had a great first half, running for 45 yards on 10 attempts (4.5 yards per carry) and hauling in four catches for 33 yards and a touchdown.

He is second on the team in receptions, behind Ja’Marr Chase (6) and is the only running back to have carries.

The Bengals will win if…

They get the kick-off of the second half. It is crucial to pick up where they left off in attack. The Bengals scored on all three of their possessions in the first half. That trend must continue.

Meanwhile, Lou Anarumo’s defense needs to force some big plays. They need a turnover or two if they don’t get a stop. They forced a punt to end the second quarter with the Raiders near midfield. That was a big stop.

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